Obituaries: June 8, 2026
Janet Bakker
March 10, 1926-June 4, 2026
Janet Bakker ended her life’s journey on this earth and entered into her eternal rest in Heaven on Thursday morning, June 4, 2026.
Janet was the youngest of 12 children born to Benjamin and Steentja Bakker on March 10, 1926. Her education ended upon graduating from the 8th grade at Elmwood School in East Saugatuck. She joined the working force with her first means of employment being at the Michigan Fruit Canners in Fennville, Michigan.
In later years, she was employed by Temple Furniture, Chris Craft and Haworth, where she worked as a cutter and sewer. Janet was an avid bowler, managing to bowl a 600 series in her league. She was a pitcher on a women’s softball league. Her love for sports carried through to her later years, becoming a Detroit Pistons and Detroit Tigers fan.
Janet was a member of Calvary Christian Reformed Church for many years. She was a person of quiet faith and knew without a doubt that she was a child of God and was assured of her salvation and her eternal Home in Heaven.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, 11 siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by many nephews, nieces and some very good friends.
She was a small person with a huge personality that will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
The family wishes to thank the nurses, aides and staff at the Cortland of Holland who took incredible care of her and came to love her as family. Also, special thanks to the personnel of Brighton Hospice who made her last days more comfortable and became friends who were always there for her.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, June 12, from 10-11 a.m. at the Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland. A funeral ceremony will be held following visiting at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jacquelyn Timmerman officiating. Interment will take place in East Saugatuck Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be given to:
Brighton Hospice
Calvary Christian Reformed Church
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet, please visit our floral store.
Ethel J. Dahms
July 9, 1935-June 1, 2026
Ethel Joyce Dahms passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at the age of 90. She lived a long and happy life devoted to family, faith, community service, and friendship.
She will always be remembered and greatly missed.
Walter “Tom” Dahms and Ethel Rayner were married on July 28, 1956. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with adventure, memorable traditions, and joyous gatherings. They enjoyed over 55 years of marriage until Tom's passing in 2012. Their son, Kyle Patrick, preceded them in death in 1993.
Ethel worked in various positions throughout her life, including as a secretary for the Norge Appliance Company, an elementary school librarian, and, most notably, as the office manager for her husband's carpentry business, Muskegon Quality Builders.
Ethel was a social butterfly, always meeting new people and often sending cards and letters to her loved ones. She was a lifelong follower of Christ and a longtime member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served for many years on the Ladies' Guild and Cradle Roll. She was a loving mother and devoted wife who treasured time spent with her family. If there was an award for "Most Involved Mother," Ethel would be a contender. She tirelessly volunteered her time and talents: as a Rocket cheerleader coach, a scout leader, a fundraiser for March of Dimes, a Sunday school teacher, and organizer of potlucks and other events. She also participated in many community service and charity events as a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
Upon retirement from Muskegon Quality Builders, Tom and Ethel devoted their energy to Builders for Christ, a volunteer-based program that utilizes the construction skills, talents. and knowledge of its members to help share the gospel through construction and building projects. Ethel enjoyed close and enduring relationships with those she met through all of these experiences.
Ethel will be lovingly remembered by three children, Teri (Mark) Temby, Thom (Terri) Dahms, and Kelly (Tom) Barlow; nine beloved grandchildren and ten precious great-grandchildren; three sisters: Donna Drabowski, Karlin (Leonard) Corey, and Betty (Dick) Robotham; and many extended relatives.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband, their dear son, and her four siblings, Bob (Lois) Rayner, Earl (Bertha) Rayner, Norma Robertson, and Dan (Karen) Rayner. She joins them all in eternal peace and joy.
Visitation will be held for Ethel from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2651 Shettler Road, Muskegon, MI 49444, followed by a short service officiated by Pastor Joel Kluender.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
Enid May Hathaway
February 1, 1952-June 5, 2026
Enid May Hathaway passed away peacefully following a brief illness.
Born on February 1, 1952, to Hiram "Jim" and Laura (Watros) Hathaway, Enid graduated from Harbor Springs High School in 1970.
After high school, she married Frank Thompson, and together they had two sons, Brian and Curt Thompson. Later, she and her former husband, Maurice Young, built a home and raised their family together, including daughter, Lindsay Young, and sons, Keith Young, DeMarcus Young, Johnny Mack Young, T-Savion Mo Young, and Michael Young.
Enid was blessed with grandchildren Leah and Joseph Thompson, Elijah Lamar Young, Nevaeh Young, Donny Brothers (great-grandchildren Janelle and Emeryee) and Nautica Brothers (great-grandchildren Mason and Millie) and Jaris Brothers, all of whom she loved dearly.
She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Kilmer, and brother-in-law, Charles "Chum" Kilmer; her brother, Michael Hathaway, who is now being cared for by her niece, Laura Pop, and family; and several nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Laura Hathaway; her brother, James Hathaway; her sister, Doriene (Hathaway) Cone; and her sister, Ruth (Pop) Hathaway.
Enid had a daycare in her home and also took college classes in graphic design. She had a special gift for making every house a warm and welcoming home. She loved sewing, quilting, and making beautiful clothing and quilts for those she loved. Family meant everything to Enid, and she also dearly loved her pets.
She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, and caregiver. Enid would often drive hours north to care for her parents and her brother, Michael, who was developmentally disabled. Michael eventually lived with Enid and her family for more than 30 years after her parents could no longer care for him. She loved him unconditionally and selflessly cared for him throughout her life, continuing to look after him until her final days.
Our family appreciates all the love and prayers.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Visitation will be 12:30-2 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family to assist during this difficult time to:
Curt Thompson
4721 65th St.
Holland, MI 49423
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Enid May Hathaway, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Louis Willard Johnson
March 19, 1942-May 26, 2026
Louis Willard Johnson, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Grand Haven, Michigan.
He was born on March 19, 1942, to Willard and LaVern (DeHann) Johnson. Louis grew up in Ferrysburg and was a lifelong resident of West Michigan.
Louis married the love of his life, Victoria Hall, on May 21, 1966, and they spent 60 beautiful years together until her passing on April 30, 2026. After they were married, they went on to be foster parents until they had children of their own. Louis worked many jobs and attended trade school for machinery. Also, in the early 1980s, he took over Busy Bee’s Shoe Service, where he was a cobbler, before retiring in 2000.
He was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Grand Haven, Michigan, where he taught Sunday School for many years. He was also a member of Jaycees and, most recently, the Lions Club. Louis also had a love for music, which showed in his dancing and playing the accordion. He enjoyed bowling and, against his mother’s wishes, horseback riding.
He is survived by his two children, Katheryn (David Sibley) Dennings and Louis Johnson Jr. (Annette); seven grandchildren, David, Conner, Selena, Matthew, Willard, Nathan, and Grace; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Bill (Sharon) Johnson; one sister, Sandy Harmon; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Victoria; two sisters, Alice Terrel and Lillian Bishop; two brothers-in-law, Robert Harmon and Ron Bishop; and one nephew, John Harmon.
Memorial contributions in his name can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Grand Haven or a church of your choice.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 527 Taylor Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Arrangements made through The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Please share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.
Clifford Dale Lubbers
January 25, 1954-June 3, 2026
Cliff Lubbers, age 72, of Byron Center, fought life’s final war with pain and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Willa (Paasman) Lubbers; daughter, Crystal and Chris Laska; grandchildren, Cierra Laska and fiancé Jace DeMann, Luke Laska, Evie Laska; siblings, Gerald Lubbers, Marvin and Judy Lubbers, Bea Visser, Marge and Marv Elders, Lillian Oudman; in-laws, John and Pat Paasman, Gerri Meyering, Pete Paasman, Shirley and Kevin Grevengoed, Rex and Deb Paasman; many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John B. and Harriet Lubbers; sisters, Evelyn, Gen; brother, Bernard; sister-in-law, Marilyn; brother-in-law, Gerald Visser.
Visitation for Cliff will be 4-7 p.m. on Monday, June 8, at Byre 53 at the Red Shed, 5301 Barry St., Hudsonville, MI 49426. Interment at Winchester Cemetery.
A celebration of Cliff’s life will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Byre 53. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan or the Jenison Bible Church Mission Fund.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clifford, please visit our floral store.
Jacquelyn Ann Snell
April 10, 1938-May 30, 2026
Jacquelyn Ann Snell, age 88, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at The Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence.
She was born April 10, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Kenneth and Lila (Lothschutz) Fuller. Jacquelyn married Lawrence LeRoy Snell Sr. on January 2, 1997, in Angola, Indiana.
Jacquelyn worked at Meijer as a cashier and then for Ottawa County as a deed clerk until her retirement. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed going to the Eagles with her husband. Jacquelyn was a wonderful cook and always had more than enough to go around at holiday get-togethers. Her other interests were doing crossword puzzles, cross-stitching, doll collecting and garage sales. She and Larry also enjoyed wintering in Marco Island, Florida.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Larry Snell Sr.; daughter, Jodi (Greg) Brown; three sons, Jay (Viola) Braxmaier, Jim (Laura) Braxmaier, and Jon (Renee) Braxmaier; two stepsons, Lawrence (Patricia) Snell Jr., and Anthony Snell; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Rose Marie Cook, Noreen Wood, and Berta Taggert; her brother, Robert “Bob” Fuller; and daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Snell.
A private family service will be held. Memorials to The Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.
